District Administration articles from November 2006

District Administration archives from November 2006

"... And I approved this message".(use of web 2.0 by schools)(Editorial)
November 1, 2006... One of the best parts for me day after November elections for me, is getting a break from political ads with the infernal "I approved this message" taglines. While the phrase complies with the "stand by your ad" provision of the Bipartisan...

Math gets book of clarity.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)
November 1, 2006... Math can be confusing for many people. It's not uncommon for math content and instruction to baffle elementary teachers, typically generalists without math degrees. The national scene is muddled as well. "Forty-nine of the 50 states have...

Fast fact.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... 76% of private school students use computers at home, compared to 66% of public school students, but public students are more likely to use computers and the Internet at school. Source: Computer and Internet Use by Students in 2003,...

Ads on buses start.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... School buses in 11 states have begun airing commercial radio with ads targeting students in districts that want to help boost tight budgets, according to USAToday.com. BusRadio, a Massachusetts-based company, says 100,000 students on 800...

BusRadio programming.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Breakdown of programming for a one-hour show 44 minutes Music and news 8 minutes Corporate sponsorships 6 minutes PSAs and safety messages 2 minutes Contests Source: BusRadio

Trust on Internet is questioned.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)
November 1, 2006... Trust is hard to come by when it comes to gleaning information off the Internet, according to a recent survey of educators. More than 400 secondary school educators participated in the survey, which was conducted by Questia Media Inc., an...

More teachers wanted.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Increased student enrollment and elevated teacher turnover are contributing to a teacher shortage in the U.S., according to a report by Education Commission of the States. Over the next decade, 2.2 million teachers will be needed,...

School leaders see little problem.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Survey)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... More than half of the nation's superintendents consider local schools to be "excellent," and most superintendents and principals say low academic standards are not a serious problem, according to Public Agenda's Reality Check 2006 report. ...

Gov. vetoes textbook bill.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Arnold Schwarzenegger )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently vetoed a bill that would have prohibited teaching or textbooks that negatively portray people based on sexual orientation. The governor claimed existing law already protects against discrimination....

Learning how to survive after school.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Sacramento New Technology High School)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Knowing how to verbalize goals, learning how to act, and in the end, getting a successful job are some lessons students are learning under a new training program. At Sacramento New Technology High School, a charter school under the New...

Knocking on doors in Texas.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Over the past two years, Houston Independent School District volunteers and school officials have brought back to school roughly 800 dropouts out of 250,000 students. And last May, 250 of the ex-dropouts graduated. according to SFGate.com. ...

Radio-full classrooms.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(preventing disasters in schools)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Radio warnings of an impending storm can save lives, or at least limbs. So the Homeland Security Department has decided to provide $5 million to ensure short-range radios are in every public school, according to boston.com. The National...

Stat blast.(Update: NEWS, STATS AND FAST FACTS)(students carry weapons)(Survey)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Nearly 63% of urban students report feeling safe at school. But nearly 20% believe other students carry weapons in school. Source: What We Learn National School Boards Association's Council of Urban Boards of Education

New laptops in new Mexico.(Update: NEWS, STATS, AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Thee state of New Mexico just ought 1,544 HP notebook computers for seventh-graders as part of the 2007 New Mexico Laptop Learning Initiative. According to the state's Implementation and Evaluation Plan of 2003, the laptop initiative,...

Quality education report.(Update: NEWS, STATS, AND FAST FACTS)
November 1, 2006... High expectations of students and giving extra support in the way of tutoring and other help can close achievement gaps between poor and minority students and white counterparts in U.S. schools. This is a big lesson in a recent study...

Mediocre classes.(Update: NEWS, STATS, AND FAST FACTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... About two-thirds of American students attend classes in states with mediocre or worse expectations for what their students should learn, according to findings of a recent report. The State of State Standards 2006, from the Thomas B. Fordham...

Panel discussion spurs action in the business ranks.(Inside the Law)(Discussion)
November 1, 2006... Members of the Business Roundtable have taken the message that Congress intends to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind legislation as a heads-up call to action. The 160 chief executive officers who belong to the Washington, D.C.-based...

Final permission for new English language learners leeway.(Inside the Law)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... While states have been allowed to exempt reading/language arts test scores for English Language Learners in school on a case-by-case basis since 2004, the U.S. Department of Education has recently given every state permission to leave out test...

Ed department makes changes in reading first.(Inside the Law)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The U.S. Department of Education is addressing several recommendations in a September report from the Office of Inspector General--an arm of the department--concerning serious issues with Reading First program's grant application process. ...

Counting subgroups.(Inside the Law)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... There are more than twice as many Asian/Pacific Islander students as there are whites in the Alief Independent School District in Houston. And yet when it comes to Texas' No Child Left Behind accountability system, whites are included in their...

Eighth-grade science around the globe.(Curriculum Update)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The National Center for Education Statistics recently released results from its 1999 video study of eigth-grade science lessons, Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. The report analyzes and compares U.S. instruction to the...

Global science at a glance.(Curriculum Update)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... U.S. Teachers focus on engaging students in the work of science with a relatively weakened emphasis on connecting activities and science content ideas. Australia Lessons cover a few ideas and develop connections between ideas and...

Defining best practices in writing.(Curriculum Update)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Three years have passed since the National Writing Commission identified writing as the neglected "R" and recommended sweeping changes in writing instruction. The challenges for educators are to commit sufficient time and resources to...

Technology enriches science education.(Curriculum Update)(Interview)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Technology-based inquiry bridges national science and technology standards and can meet both sets of standards, says Edwin Christmann, author of Technology-Based Inquiry for Middle School. This month, Christmann offers educators tips about...

China rolls out the welcome mat.(Curriculum Update)(Youth Across Borders Foundation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The world's most populous nation and 21st century economic powerhouse welcomed a group of 16 high school students last May. "China will have a tremendous impact on our society. We wanted to create awareness about China among future business...

Pluto demotion impacts curriculum.(Curriculum Update)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... When the International Astronomical Union declared that Pluto is no longer a planet last summer, officially downsizing the solar system from nine planets to eight, the change affected the curriculum in every school district. Pluto was...

Digital leader.(Administrator Profile * Cameron M. McCune)(Fullerton School District )
November 1, 2006... When Cameron McCune was a child, it was science class that made his school day fly. Ever curious about nature, animals, and how things work, he became a teacher who hoped to incite the same excitement for science in his own students. From...

Adding up to success.(District Profile * Pueblo (Colo.) School District 60)
November 1, 2006... Some people might think there's something in the water in Pueblo, Colorado, but it s really in the computers. Education technology, along with a concerted effort by teachers and old-fashioned textbook instruction, is driving academic...

SAT trends: this year's SAT scores dropped more than they have in a generation. Is the new test to blame?(TESTING & ASSESSMENT)(Scholastic Aptitude Test)
November 1, 2006... IN THE FIRST YEAR OF A NEW TEST, scores on the 2006 Scholastic Aptitude Test fell by an average of seven points nationally, their sharpest drop in 31 years. For the class of 2006, the average critical reading scores decreased by 5 points to...

Boston's perseverance: Boston Public Schools wins top urban prize as achievement gaps shrink and achievement overall rises.(URBAN EDUCATION)
November 1, 2006... Sometimes known as the Puritan City, Boston had the sweet feeling of victory recently after staying patient because, after all, it is a virtue. After five years of being a finalist for the $1 million Broad Prize for Urban Education, Boston...

NCLB's purity: flows notwithstanding. No Child Left Behind has brought about significant academic improvement and is here to stay.(NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND)(No Child Left Behind Act of 2001)
November 1, 2006... APPROACHING THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS ENACTMENT and up for congressional reauthorization next year, the No Child Left Behind act continues to be a favorite punching bag for many of the country's largest educational organizations. All...

Is Bill Gates a good school leader? It's joked that he has more money than God. But is Microsoft's Bill Gates spending enough of his fortune to change the direction of our public schools?(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... His report card looks good in many lights: Since its formal foray into education in 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has seen many of the schools it supports surpass district-wide student performances. In 2006, the New York City...

Does K-12 make sense? Some leaders are suggesting that educators shift the traditional educational system from a K-12 to a preK-11 system.(CHALLENGING K-12)
November 1, 2006... Talk about a silly idea. Or is it? Colorado Sen. Ronald Teck had one of these silly ideas, according to several constituents, which never materialized. Teck proposed just about two years ago to shift the state's educational system from a...

Teacher education: time to tame the Wild West: results from a new survey show teacher education programs are outdated and lackluster.(VIEWPOINT)(Survey)
November 1, 2006... HIGH STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT and strong school performance depend heavily on quality teaching. Yet, alarmingly, most of the programs that prepare the nation's teachers cling to an outdated, historically flawed vision of teacher education that is at...

The individual academic plan: what would happen in your district if every student had an IEP?(EDUCATION REFORM)(individual education plan)
November 1, 2006... WHAT IF EVERY STUDENT IN A DISTRICT HAD AN INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN, the document that guides each special education student's years in school. What if there was something-call it an Individual Academic Plan--that outlined in detail what each...

Homework vs. the happy family: I often thought that my family would never argue, had it not been for school.(Speaking Out)
November 1, 2006... We've all heard the rationale for assigning homework, and although few of the justifications pass the giggle test, we don't give it a second thought. Homework is just part of the environment, like pollution. But claims that homework extends or...

Free and open source software: new programs offer alternatives for districts.(Professional Opinion)(Viewpoint essay)
November 1, 2006... I continue to be astounded at the resiliency of school districts throughout the U.S., as they strive to increase access to technology for students and teachers in the face of tight budgets. Nearly every day I encounter yet another district...

Reading to reform.(Harding Elementary School)
November 1, 2006... Problem: Student discipline was poor at Harding Elementary School (Pa.), and the reading program was uninspiring and ineffective. Solution: A major cultural and attitude change occurred after the implementation of Voices School Design and...

Learning a second language: when & why.(Research Corner: ESSENTIALS ON EDUCATION DATA AND RESEARCH ANALYSIS FROM EDVANTIA)
November 1, 2006... Can studying a second language in elementary school boost student achievement in other academic areas? Numerous studies suggest that this may be the case. Yet even though NCLB identifies foreign language as a core subject, only about a fourth...

Course Technology PTR/Charles River Media.(Computer Literature)
November 1, 2006... Complete Digital Photography www.charlesriver.com; www.courseptr.com, $39.95 This third edition provides an update on today's cameras and is divided into four sections. The first one details the basics of how digital cameras work and...

Teachers College Press.(Computer Literature)
November 1, 2006... Meaningful Learning Using Technology, www.tcpress.com, $44.95 National experts use concrete examples to describe specific knowledge, beliefs and strategies that will enable teachers and district leaders to support meaningful learning using...

Charles River Media/Course PTR Networking and Security.(Computer Literature)
November 1, 2006... Hacking Web Services www.charlesriver.com, $49.95 This is a practical guide for understanding Web services security and assessment methodologies. Written for intermediate to advanced security professionals and developers, it provides...

Peachpit Press.(Computer Literature)
November 1, 2006... MySpace Unraveled: A Parent's Guide to Teen Social Networking www.peachpit.com, $13.49 Written by online safety experts Larry Magid and Anne Collier, this book demystifies MySpace for adults and provides simple, step-by-step...

O'Reilly.(Computer Literature)
November 1, 2006... Video Conferencing over IP www.oreilly.com, $49.95 Author Michael Cough helps educators get up and running with video teleconferencing. The guide addresses how to determine bandwidth needs; configure network routers, gateways,...

Course Technology PTR/Charles River Media: Introduction to Network Security.(Computer Literature)
November 1, 2006... www.charlesriver.com; www.courseptr.com, $69.95 Fundamental issues related to network security, including the definition of security terms, ethics, the OSI network model and cryptography, are covered in this book. Readers learn how to apply...

Peachpit.(Computer Literature)(Brief article)(Book review)
November 1, 2006... HTML, XHTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart Guide, 6th Edition www.peachpit.com, $26.99 This book includes step-by-step, task-based instructions to guide readers on how to design, structure and format a Web site. It teaches them how to create...

Mediasite 4.0: Sonic Foundry.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.sonicfoundry.com Software, $19,950 Bigger (video windows), better (security), faster (or slower, now users can control playback) all apply to this upgraded version. In addition to larger video and slide windows and the ability to...

X34x: Lexmark.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.lexmark.com Hardware, $349 A new all-in-one printer series features legal-size flatbed scanning and a color scan option that makes scanning and copying of books easier. It also includes a professional document management software...

Bravo SE disc publisher: Primera.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.primera.com, Hardware, $1,495 The unit will automatically burn and print up to 20 discs per job. A robotic arm transports a disc to the drive for recording, to the inkjet printer where it prints direct-to-disc, and where it places the...

TrueThinker: As It Is, Inc.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... www.truethinker.com Web site, $29.95/year This new Web site can help educators organize save time, share links and have one-click access to bookmarked favorites from any computer. It features two main components: My Knowledge Bank and My...

CP-X068: Hitachi.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.hitachi.us, Hardware, $9,995 This projector is equipped with a transition detector, a sensor that recognizes when the projector is moved from its fixed position. Once this happens, an alert is immediately sent via e-mail to the IT...

Acrobat 8: Adobe.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.adobe.com, Software, $159 Significant changes include new tasked-based user interface, the ability to enable digital signatures from Adobe Reader, automated forms data collection, the ability to share reviews, and a one-click...

WriteToLearn: Pearson Assessments.(web based learning tool launched)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... www.pearsonassessments.com/writetolearn Web-based subscription, $20 per student/school year (20-unit minimum order) This Web-based learning tool helps students develop writing and reading comprehension skills. Students can practice essay...

Sonic equalizer panels: Golden Acoustics.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.goldenacoustics.com Hardware, starts from $105 per square foot This series of treatment acoustic panels uses a new technology called Triconic Equalization. When combined with the proper type and placement of sound absorption. it creates...

Sub-IT: Central Xchange.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.centralxchange.com System, starts at $1.75 per absence This automated substitute placement system now includes additional capabilities for substitute selection as well as new placement, contact and reporting functions. It enables...

PRS-UNV: Peerless Industries.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.peerlessindustries.com, Projector mount, $209 A safe, secure and functional method to maximize the use of a projector is offered by this mount. It supports up to 25 pounds, comes preassembled and ensures proper alignment on a screen by...

Passport reading journeys: Beginning Voyager Expanded Learning.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.voyagerlearning.com Program, $7,500 (1 teacher/30 students) This intervention program was designed to meet the varied needs of secondary students reading three to four years below grade level. Instruction is incorporated in a 45- to...

MY Access 7.0: Vantage Learning.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.vantagelearning.com Web-based software, $36 per year/unlimited use New enhancements make this instructional writing tool easier to navigate in, helping students prepare for the SAT, ACT and other college admissions testing. Features...

eXpressPlan: TargetX.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.targetx.com/plan/index.html Software, $4,000 to $5,000 Departments can plan out activities and events up to a year in advance with this software. The Web-based system allows users to list tasks, assign tasks to team members, and see...

RotoCube rotating kiosk bulletin tower: Magnatag Visible Systems.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.magnatag.com/rotocube Display system, starts at $956 This freestanding, rotating, four-sided organizational system allows large amounts of information to be displayed in an office, library or classroom. Its four panels contain 24 square...

Piano wizard: Allegro Rainbow.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.pianowizard.com, Video game, ranges between $49.95 to $199.95 Children as young as three can learn to play the piano using this music learning video game. Because it uses positive reinforcement, it builds a player's confidence and...

Redesigned databases: Facts on file.(Facts on File Inc. launches history online databases)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... www factsonfile.com Online content, starts at $530 The publisher has launched six redesigned history online databases. Besides a powerful cross search, the enhancements include a new user-friendly interface with strong visual appeal and...

VZ-8 [light.sup.2]: Wolfvision.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.wolfvision.com, Hardware, $3,790 Revised and updated, this document camera features real-time motion, high-speed auto focus, 24x zoom, automatic image flip, and a reflection-free working surface. The unit folds to 4.8 inches high for...

SubFinder 5.2: CRS Inc.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.crs-ivr.com, System, starts at $6,000 The latest version of this employee absence management system includes numerous enhancements designed to enrich the user experience and functionality of the system. Its Internet modules, WebConnect...

NetSupport Protect: NetSupport, Inc.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.netsupport-inc.com Software, starts at $16,80 per computer for 10 computers This desktop security software prevents users from exploring, changing or damaging their Windows operating system, installing unauthorized software, or...

Facts About Diabetes: A Guide for School Personnel and Child Care Providers :Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.diabetesresearch.org Brochure, free This eight-page brochure features important information about type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, and how it is controlled, along with clear instructions on how to handle emergency situations, such...

150 portable document camera: AVerMedia Technologies, Inc.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.avermedia-usa.com Camera, $599.99 The ability to display microscopic images, 3D objects or documents on any projector or monitor at a high-speed 24 frames per second through the VGA outputs is offered by this portable document camera....

Struggling readers and the reflective teaching process: LeapFrog SchoolHouse.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.leapfrogschoolhouse.com Seminar, $3,500/25 participants This two-day course shares best teaching practices to help struggling readers overcome common barriers to reading success and features research findings from the company's white...

Casper XP 3.0 System Builder Edition: Future Systems Solutions, Inc.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.fssdev.com, Software, $499.95, upgrades, $149.95 Hard disk upgrades, managed backups and sealed disk deployment can all be performed with this software. Its startup disk enables users to boot a system and run the software directly from...

Sympodium ID350: Smart.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.smarttech.com/sympodium.com Hardware, $2,249 Being interactive is a little more manageable with this pen display. Featuring a more compact design than previous models, the 15-inch display still has a battery-free tethered pen,...

Online Auctions: cMarket.(services)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... www.cmarket.com Service, $695 plus fees If your school wants to run an online auction fundraiser but you don't know where to start, check out cMarket. The company guides nonprofits step-by-step in setting up an auction, has a selection of...

Mathematics survival kit: Maplesoft.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.maplesoft.com/students/index.aspx, Software, $29 The book of the same name is presented in electronic format covering 115 topics from algebra to integral calculus. The text is written in a conversational manner with ten-minute...

Caselite v3.0: Caselite Software, Inc.(online subscription based service launched)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... www.caselitesoftware.com Online subscription, $134.95/individual annual subscription This program allows speech-language pathologists to schedule both individual and group therapy sessions. It groups students based on their therapy needs,...

Prosper 4.0: Pearson Assessments.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.pearsonassessments.com/prosper Software, starts at $1,595/stand-alone version New reports that allow teachers and school administrators to identify at-risk students and standards that require instructional intervention are included in...

Pronto: Horizon Wimba.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.horizon wimba.com/products/pronto Software, free Students and instructors can spontaneously meet live online at any time to discuss their coursework using this free instant messaging and voice chat tool. Features include instant...

ProScope lessons: Vernier Software & Technology.(New Products: THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN BOOKS, HARDWARE, INTERNET AND SOFTWARE)
November 1, 2006... www.elementary.vernier.com/necc Lessons, free These elementary-level lessons are exclusively for users of ProScope, a digital USB microscope that works with Macintosh or PC computers. Each lesson includes the activity's objectives, a list...

Education projections to 2015.(By the Numbers)(Statistical table)
November 1, 2006... ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY ENROLLMENT After increasing by about one-fifth between 1990 and 2003, elementary and secondary enrollment is expected to increase at slower rates between 2003 and 2015. Total enrollment: * increased 18%...